Over the time, I have been using Windows Authetication to connect to my MSSMS (Microsoft Sql Server Management Studio). And since during installation I had not enabled Mixed mode authetication on the server, I got some issues.

I could not connect using Sql Server Authetication

The ‘sa’ account was disabled.

For security reasons, the ‘sa’ account is usually disabled, as it is a well known SQL server account and its often targeted by malicious users. And so, be thoughful while enabling the ‘sa’ account. And its recommended that you use a strong password.

I thought to summarize the short steps I gathered on the internet into one post. So let’s go.

Enable mixed mode authetication:

Login in to the server using the Windows authetication.

Right click your server and go to Properties, the select the Security

Under Server Authetication section, You will find that “Windows Authetication Mode” radio button selected.

So, your work is to select “Sql Server and Windows Authetication Mode” radio button

Then click Ok

Right click the server again and select “Restart“

That is it! You have now enabled mixed mode authetication on you server.

Enabling the disabled account.

Login using windows authetication

Go to Security, then Login. You will find the disabled account with the a small red arrow beside them as below

Right click the login name and go to Properties

You should see something like this with “Disabled” radio button checked

You need to check the Enabled radio button like this

Restart the server.

Another easier way of enabling ‘sa’ account and set a password using query as shown below.